#Ethiopia: #UN report exposes Ethiopia's escalating human rights crisis; state forces responsible for 70% of violations in 2023

A recent United Nations report sheds light on the troubling human rights situation in Ethiopia in 2023. Though the #Tigray region saw improvements post the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, concerns loom over violent clashes in #Amhara and #Oromia.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' 24-page report outlines 594 incidents of violations impacting 8,253 victims, marking a 55.9% increase from the previous year. State actors, including the #ENDF, were implicated in 70% of the violations, affecting 7,103 victims. Non-state armed groups contributed to 22.3% of incidents, with specific concerns surrounding #Eritrean forces in Tigray.

Notably, Amhara and Oromia witnessed significant civilian casualties, with government forces battling militia groups. The report addresses concerns over drone strikes and arbitrary arrests, particularly targeting individuals of Amhara ethnicity. Conflict-related sexual violence and humanitarian challenges persist, necessitating concrete actions and international cooperation.

#UNHCR's Volker Türk stressed the urgency of political solutions and human rights for lasting peace and accountability in Ethiopia. The report calls upon the government and international community to uphold commitments, promote dialogue, and bolster support for human rights and peace initiatives.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=44310

#UN report reveals surge in human rights violations in #Ethiopia

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (#OHCHR) issued a damning report detailing a disturbing rise in human rights abuses in Ethiopia throughout 2023. The report documented a staggering 594 incidents impacting 8,253 victims, representing a significant 56% increase compared to the previous year.

State actors, including the Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) and regional police forces, are allegedly responsible for a shocking 70% of these violations, affecting over 7,100 victims.

The #Amhara region bore the brunt of these abuses, with a documented 740 civilian deaths, primarily attributed to government security forces. The report also highlights the role of the Fano militia group. “The Fano militia group and its allies killed at least 52 people,” reported Elizabeth Throssell, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office.

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#Sudan, #UAE clash at UN Security Council over support for #RSF

A heated exchange erupted at a Security Council session on Tuesday between Sudanese and Emirati delegates, with accusations flying over who is fueling the conflict in war-torn Sudan. Sudan's #UN representative, Al-Harith Idris, accused the UAE of supporting the "Rapid Support Forces" (RSF) and presented documents as evidence. He demanded the Security Council President publish these documents.

In response, Emirati representative Mohamed Abu Shehab dismissed the accusations as "ludicrous" and criticized Idris for representing only the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF). Abu Shehab highlighted the UAE's humanitarian aid efforts and questioned why the SAF obstructed aid and avoided peace talks. Idris retorted, accusing the UAE of sponsoring terrorism in Sudan and presented evidence to the Council. He emphasized Sudan’s desire for peace and criticized the RSF for not implementing the Jeddah Humanitarian Agreement of May 2023.

Abu Shehab reiterated that Sudan was using the Security Council to deflect from internal violations and stressed that negotiation is the only path to peace. The exchange highlighted ongoing tensions and accusations between the two nations, with Sudan urging the UN to condemn the UAE for alleged violations, including supporting the RSF with weapons.

https://sudantribune.com/article287166/

Investigators: Disregard for human rights, law drives crisis in #Sudan

Independent investigators have accused Sudan’s warring parties of driving the country into a humanitarian abyss by blatantly disregarding fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law.

The International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan presented a dire report at the #UN Human Rights Council in #Geneva, condemning the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) for their role in mass killings, looting, displacement, and sexual violence.

The conflict, which began in April 2023, has caused a grave humanitarian crisis, with around 18 million people facing acute hunger and 5 million on the brink of starvation. Particularly concerning is the situation in #Darfur, where heavy fighting has caused significant civilian casualties and the closure of vital medical facilities.

Investigators also highlighted rampant sexual violence, forced displacement, and the use of children in combat. The mission calls for an immediate cease-fire, urging both sides to prioritize humanitarian aid and protect civilians.

https://www.voanews.com/a/investigators-disregard-for-human-rights-law-drives-crisis-in-sudan/7662216.html

#Somalia seeks to slow peacekeeper withdrawal amid security concerns

Somalia's government is urging a delay in the withdrawal of African peacekeepers, warning of a potential security vacuum that could empower #Al_Shabaab militants. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (#ATMIS) is set to withdraw by December 31, with a smaller force replacing it. However, Somalia has requested a delay until September for the withdrawal of half the 4,000 troops scheduled to leave by the end of June.

A joint assessment by Somalia and the #AU, reviewed by Reuters, recommended adjusting the withdrawal timeline based on the readiness of Somali forces. The #UN Security Council-mandated assessment warned that a "hasty drawdown of ATMIS personnel will contribute to a security vacuum."

The #EU and #US, major funders of the AU force, are pushing to reduce the operation due to financial sustainability concerns. Negotiations about a new force have proven complicated, with the AU initially pushing for a more robust mandate than Somalia wanted, three of the diplomatic sources said. A heated political dispute could lead #Ethiopia to pull out some of the most battle-hardened troops.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/somalia-asks-peacekeepers-slow-withdrawal-fears-islamist-resurgence-2024-06-20/

Rights group urges #UN, #AU action in El Fasher, North #Darfur

Human Rights Watch has called on the United Nations Secretary-General to implement Security Council resolution 2736 by collaborating with the African Union to establish a civilian protection mission in #El_Fasher, North Darfur. This plea follows recent unlawful attacks by #Sudan’s warring parties in El Fasher, resulting in numerous civilian casualties, mass displacements, and a looming threat of starvation for many residents.

Reports indicate that Sudan's warring factions have targeted populated areas in El Fasher, engaging in destructive activities like burning residential areas and hospitals. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) have been implicated in deliberate attacks and violence.

Mohamed Osman, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the urgent need for the UN and AU to intervene and safeguard the vulnerable civilian population. The situation deteriorated further in mid-May, with the RSF allegedly causing chaos at South Hospital on 8 June, 2024.

https://sudantribune.com/article287226/

#Ethiopia: Amid souring relations #Somalia accuses Ethiopian troops of unlawful crossings, urges respect for #UN Charter

During a UN Security Council briefing on 24 June, 2024, Somalia’s Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman accused Ethiopian troops of illegal border crossings. He claimed these actions disrupted Somalia's security, forcing a delay in the September transition plan for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (#ATMIS), which aims to withdraw 4,000 troops by the end of June.

This comes in the backdrop of souring diplomatic relation between Ethiopia and Somalia in recent months following signing on 01 January of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and #Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to the sea for a leased military base in return for recognition for Somaliland.

James Swan, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, highlighted Somalia’s progress against al-Shabaab but expressed concern over the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU. He stressed the need for peaceful resolution and sustainable funding for ATMIS, noting that 5,000 troops have already left Somalia since June 2023, with further reductions planned.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=44470

#Ethiopia battles triple threat: cholera, measles, and malaria outbreaks

Ethiopia is currently facing severe health crises, according to a recent #UN report. The country is battling outbreaks of cholera, measles, and malaria, each posing significant public health threats.

The cholera outbreak, ongoing since August 2022, is the longest in Ethiopia's history, with a recent surge in #Afar and #Oromia regions. Measles cases are rising due to low vaccination rates and displacement, with at least 15 deaths reported in Amhara's #Wagihimra Zone.

Malaria cases have hit a seven-year high, with over 1.8 million new cases documented between January 1 and May 26, 2024, primarily in Oromia, #Amhara, Southwest, and Southern regions, resulting in 314 deaths

https://addisstandard.com/?p=44532

#ATMIS hands over strategic military base to #Somalia

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has officially transferred the #Abdalla_Birolle Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF). This marks the fourth handover in the Phase Three drawdown.

Siyuvile Bam, Deputy Special Representative of the African Union Commission for Somalia, assured continued #AU support for Somali-led peace and security efforts despite the transition. Brig. Rashid, ATMIS Sector Two Commander, commended the successful operations against #Al_Shabaab, thanks to the cooperation between ATMIS #Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and Somali Security Forces. He encouraged SNA forces to uphold the security gains achieved.

Deputy Mayor Ahmed Ali highlighted the significant security improvements due to joint operations by Kenyan troops and local #Jubaland State security forces, resulting in relative peace for the community.

Since 2016, the Abdalla Birolle FOB has been a strategic buffer for #Kismayo International Airport, securing key supply routes. The handover follows the #UN Security Council's 2024 resolution, mandating the withdrawal of 2,000 ATMIS troops by 30 June and another 2,000 by 30 September, 2024.

https://atmis-au.org/atmis-hands-over-abdalla-birolle-military-base-in-jubaland-to-somali-national-armed-forces/

#UN Envoy calls for #Sudan peace talks in Geneva

The United Nations Secretary-General's personal envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, has invited the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) to participate in indirect talks in #Geneva. The discussions, set to begin on July 10th, 2024, aim to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and improve civilian protection in Sudan.

The invitation follows UN Security Council Resolution 2736, adopted in June 2024, which called for enhanced civilian protection measures. Lamamra has requested both the army commander and RSF leader to send senior-level delegations to the talks. The UN will facilitate these discussions in a "proximity format," allowing for indirect negotiations between the parties.

This diplomatic effort comes amid continued conflict in Sudan. The Sudanese army recently rejected a ceasefire offer in El Fasher and has set conditions for potential negotiations with the RSF. These include the surrender of RSF forces and their evacuation from occupied civilian buildings.

https://sudantribune.com/article287826/